At a point in our lives, all of us start noticing a lack of definition in our jawline and our neck makes us look old and tired, when we are NOT! Whatever the cause (and there can be many: we are of “a certain age”, have recently lost some weight, are going through hormonal changes, etc.), we just want to look as young and vibrant as we feel. At this point we don’t need a full facelift, but we can certainly benefit from a mini facelift procedure. For many women and men in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the Ribbon Lift is a minimally invasive surgical method that can provide the results we are seeking.
Recent scientific advances have led to the introduction of the “Endotine® Ribbon device,” a bioabsorbable ribbon that is strategically placed/anchored during the rejuvenation procedure to add extra structure and support to the key areas of the neck – hence the name Ribbon Lift.
How Is a Ribbon Lift Performed?
The Ribbon Lift is performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Limited incisions are made around the ears and under the chin to allow the tissues of the face and under the chin to be tightened. Then, a portion of the Ribbon device is anchored to the lax muscles in the neck, as shown in the illustrations below. As the free portion of the Ribbon is lifted back and behind the ears, a younger contour of the neck is achieved. The free portion of the Ribbon is then anchored to maintain/support the neck in the desired position while the body heals itself. The Ribbon will dissolve gradually over the next several months.
With local anesthesia, incisions are made to allow access to lower face and neck. The bioabsorbable Ribbon device is secured to the relaxed muscles in the neck.
Once the Ribbon is attached to the relaxed muscles in the neck, it is pulled up and back to re-drape the muscles, then anchored behind the ears. The Ribbon will dissolve over the next several months as the tissues heal in their new position.
Excess skin is removed after the Ribbon has been anchored. After the incisions are closed with sutures, a cotton dressing will cover the area. The next day, during the patient’s first post-operative appointment, the dressing is removed and replaced with a light latex garment. Sutures are removed one week after the procedure. Swelling and bruising are mostly resolved by 10 to 14 days after the procedure.
Candidates for a Ribbon Lift
The Ribbon List may be an appropriate option for women and men who are in good health and prefer surgery under local anesthesia with sedation instead of general anesthesia. This procedure corrects noticeable signs of facial relaxation such as:
- Loss of contour in the neck
- Formation of jowls along the jawline
- Excess skin laxity in the lower face & neck
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ribbon Lift
Q. What is the best way to learn more about the benefits of a Ribbon Lift?
Our office offers consultations with computerized video imaging to simulate the possible results of a Ribbon Lift procedure. We also help you understand all the particulars of the surgery, the day of your surgery, and your recovery.
Q. Does the Ribbon Lift look natural?
Most people feel that the Ribbon helps create a natural and more youthful contour to their lower face and neck without excessive stretching or distortion.
Q. How much bruising and swelling is there after the Ribbon Lift?
During your consultation, we suggest that you stop medications and supplements which may cause bruising, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories and fish oils. Wearing a soft elastic garment after surgery helps minimize lower face swelling. Also, we recommend that you avoid strenuous activity for a short time to allow healing to proceed unimpeded.
Q. Will I be able to feel the Ribbon after surgery?
Generally, you will not be able to see the Ribbon device after surgery. You may be able to feel the Ribbon under the skin for several weeks as the device dissolves away – but the longer the device is present, the more structure and support it will provide during the healing phase.
Q. Is the Ribbon device FDA approved?
Yes. And thousands of surgeries using bioabsorbable implants have been already done with very low complications.
Q. How is this different than barbed sutures or surgical threads?
The Ribbon used in the Ribbon Lift has undergone extensive research to provide structural support for up to 3 months while your body undergoes healing. Unlike many barbed sutures, the Ribbon is not permanent, and does not stay in your body long term. Many thread procedures for the face are temporary in nature and only intended to address the earliest signs of aging.
While some patients may need more correction than is possible with the Ribbon Lift, this innovative technique can provide natural-looking rejuvenation when performed by a facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in a range of facelift techniques.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Edward Szachowicz specializes in surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation at his boutique-style practice in Edina, MN. To find out more about the Ribbon Lift, request a consultation online or call (952) 835-5665.
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